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Walton Scholars

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As top students studying all facets of sustainability such as food systems, energy, policy, economics and human rights, the Walton Global Scholars in the Global Sustainability Studies Program exemplify the type of future leaders we need for a more sustainable world.

Walton Global Scholars are selected by a committee of faculty and staff to receive scholarships funded by the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives to help provide access to international opportunities they might not have otherwise. These scholars will complete two different sustainability projects related to coursework based in their host communities as well as share their experiences abroad here on this blog.

The Global Sustainability Studies Program is honored to invite you to meet the 2016 Walton Global Scholars:

Urban Sustainability in Hong Kong

 
Jonela Balasta - Hong Kong student

Jonela Marie Balasta is originally from Manila, Philippines but currently lives in Goodyear, Ariz. She is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability with a focus on Sustainable Urban Dynamics. She is currently involved in the Philippine American Student Association and American Sign Language club on campus. Her academic interests lie in urban planning, community development and well-being and green or biophilic design. In her free time she likes drawing, painting and exploring the city. In the future, she hopes to find a career that allows her to integrate sustainable practices into urban and community development as well as work on international development.

 
Isaac Bernal - Hong Kong student

Isaac Bernal, from San Antonio, Texas, is a first year graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Administration. Bernal is a graduate assistant for the School of Public Affairs. He also received the Frank and June Sackton Fellowship through the School of Public Affairs. He has previously traveled to Central America and Europe as an undergraduate student. He loves to hike, travel and eat new cuisine. One of the aspects about traveling to Hong Kong that he is excited about is the opportunity to experience a new culture and learn from the people there. He plans to go into local government after graduation.

 
Olga Borquez - Hong Kong student

Olga Borquez Ronquillo, from Sonora, Mexico, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, with a focus on Energy, Materials and Technology and a minor in Design Studies. Borquez is an active member of GreenLight Solutions and Campus Student Sustainability Initiatives. She is also the events coordinator for the School of Sustainability College Council. She is a student worker at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability as an events coordinator assistant. She has volunteered for the WaterNow Alliance, the College Football Playoff and the ASU Farmer ́s Market. Borquez spent a year studying abroad in France and has visited several countries throughout Europe, as well as Mexico, Colombia, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. In her free time she likes new adventures, hiking, trying different restaurants, photography, travelling and spending time with her family. Borquez is interested in pursuing a career as a sustainability consultant or a utilities consultant for water or land use. In the future, Borquez would like to pursue a master’s degree.

 
Wesley Herche - Hong Kong student

Wes Herche, originally from Anderson, Ind., is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainability. Herche is a full time research scientist at the ASU Global Security Initiative. He is interested in the policy and managerial framework of large-scale renewable energy generation and distribution within urban settings. Herche also enjoys CrossFit and just about any kind of outdoor activity. He has previously lived and worked in Belgium, the UK and Japan, and has traveled to dozens of other countries. He hopes to become a researcher and faculty member in the field of energy sustainability and security.

 
Shannon Mason - Hong Kong student

Shannon Mason, from Santa Monica, Calif., has an Associate of Arts in General Science and is a transfer student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography as well as two minors in Sustainability and Anthropology. She is a scholarship recipient of the Bruss Hall memorial recognizing excellence in the physical and bio- logical sciences and a scholarship recipient and member of the Society of Woman Geographers; a unique election only organization with amazing members such as Amelia Earhart. Shannon has participated in clubs at her junior college such as the Eco-Action Club (secretary, events coordinator, president), Zero Plastic Club and Geography Club (president). In addition to her club involvement, Shannon spent time leading Sustainable Works’ student greening programs on her campus to help educate others about the importance of sustainability and gave back to her community by volunteering with organizations like Surfrider and Heal the Bay. Now at ASU, Shannon has achieved the Dean’s List and was offered admittance to the Golden Key International Honor Society. Outside of her studies, Shannon enjoys being a barista at Starbucks, road trips and collecting gems, minerals and fossils. Her goal for the future is to have a community program that inspires youth to pause from technology and connect with the outdoors.

 
Ramanuj Mitra - Hong Kong student

Ramanuj Mitra, from Kolkata, India, is a first year grad student pursuing a Master of Science in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. He has been an active member in several student run NGOs during his dual degree (bachelor’s and master’s in Mineral Engineering) program in India. He is a recipient of the National Talent Search Examination scholarship awarded by the government of India. His research area is urban sustainability with a focus on water and food nexus. He is also interested in pursuing environmental conflict resolution later in his career. He enjoys light travelling, reading thrillers and has a propensity for long walks.

 
Eric Rodriguez - Hong Kong student

Eric Rodriguez is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management. Originally from Whittier, Calif., Eric began a career in the private sector after earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications from NAU. He recently participated in a study conducted by the Phoenix Public Transit Department to measure the public’s feelings about various transit issues in the Phoenix Metro Area. While he pursues his studies, he also continues work full time as a team leader, where he nurtures and coaches his team members to prepare them to step into leadership positions. His academic interests include foreign affairs, foreign policy, education reform, environmental policy, sustainable solutions and comparative religious studies. In his free time, he enjoys supporting local businesses, foreign travel, studying foreign languages, and is a wine and coffee enthusiast. He has travelled extensively through Western Europe, backpacked from Egypt to Jordan, and has traveled to Asia several times, including a backpacking trip through China. He has also traveled to The United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Barbados, Costa Rica and Argentina. Upon completing his studies, he plans to pursue opportunities representing the United States in developing sustainable urban solutions overseas.

 
Kevin Rutherford - Hong Kong student

Kevin Rutherford is a first year graduate student in Public Administration, with a concentration in Urban Management. Hailing from Barnstable, Mass., he is a member of the International City/ County Management Association and an assembly member of the Graduate Professional Student Association. His interests in school include sustainable growth and management of cities, as well as adaptive reuse of structures in older cities. Outside of school, he is an avid photographer, outdoorsman and enjoys listening to music. Before his travel to Hong Kong, he has been to Berlin, London, Mexico and Canada. Following his graduation in May of next year, he plans on working in city government and ensuring that cities are able to become more sustainable in the coming years.

 
Kevin Seegmiller - Hong Kong student

Kevin Seegmiller, from Gilbert, Ariz., is a second year Ph.D. student in the School of Sustainability studying energy policy and the transition of the electric utility industry. Seegmiller is a teaching associate, a Wrigley Fellowship recipient, and a member of the Energy Policy Innovation Council within the Center for Law, Science and Innovation at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Prior to returning to school, he worked with many of the major utilities in the western United States to site and permit electric utility infrastructure. For his master’s degree, Seegmiller partnered with The Nature Conservancy to research environmental resource issues and build assessment models and future growth scenarios for an island in the Bahamas. He also had the opportunity to live in Bogotá, Colombia for two years. Outside of school and work, Seegmiller enjoys spending time in nature with his wife and four children (boy, girl, and twin boys). He is a freshwater fishing enthusiast along with being a Scout Master. After his Ph.D. program, Seegmiller hopes to return to work for the electric utility industry to help them transition to an effective, resilient and more sustainable energy system.

 

London & Paris: Sustainability in Museums

 
Tricia Adams - London & Paris student

Tricia Adams, from Menasha, Wis., is a first year graduate student pursuing a master’s in History. Adams volunteers with various organizations including Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity and various community theater and art organizations. She has also served as a Volunteer Wisconsin AmeriCorps member. Adams has worked in museums for almost ten years including: science museums, children’s museums, history museums, and living history villages. In her spare time, Adams enjoys sewing, crafts, going to and participating in theater and visiting museums. Following graduation, Adams hopes to continue her career in museum work by integrating education and sustainability into history museums and historical landmark buildings.

 
Anna Brophy - London & Paris student

Anna Brophy, from Madison, Wis., is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Sustainability. Brophy is a student in Barrett, the Honors College, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers and Phi Sigma Rho Sorority. She is also the project lead for the EPICS (Engineering Projects In Community Service) Humble Homes project where she is designing a sustainably minded cohousing community of tiny homes. Brophy is interested in sustainable civil engineering, especially Net-Zero and LEED certified buildings. Her other interests include hiking, cooking, crafting and exploring new places. She has previously traveled to Canada and Ireland but desires to travel the world someday. After graduation Brophy hopes to integrate sustainability into her civil engineering career through designing sustainable, energy efficient buildings and other infrastructure

 
Johanna Campbell - London & Paris student

Johanna Campbell is originally from Costa Rica and was raised in Phoenix, Ariz. After graduating high school, Johanna enlisted in the U.S. Army and served active duty for ve years. Johanna was stationed in Germany for two years and worked in a hospital receiving incoming injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. From there, injured soldiers were stabilized and Johanna would coordinate the necessary arrangements for the soldiers to be own back to the U.S. Johanna considers herself a seasoned traveler and has traveled to over 10 different countries in her lifetime. When she is not traveling Johanna spends time volunteering at the local Humane Society because it allows her to play with many dogs. Currently, Johanna is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and hopes to become a photo editor for a travel magazine.

 
Jacob Gulinson - London & Paris student

Jacob Gulinson, from Scottsdale, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Design in Architectural Studies and is a student in Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. Gulinson is a member of the Arizona State Branch of The American Institute of Architecture Students. He is the recipient of the President’s Award Scholarship. Gulinson is pursuing research in sustainable architecture, with a focus in infrastructure circulation. He is interested in road bicycling, photography and playing guitar. His previous travels out of the country include Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Jamaica, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. He hopes to pursue sustainability within his future career of architecture.

 
Alexander Medina - London & Paris student

Alexander Medina, from Ripley, W.Va., is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability in the Policy and Governance in Sustainable Systems track. Medina is a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, of Delta Alpha upsilon, the Arizona State professional fraternity for sustainability, and is the assistant to the graduate coordinator for Arizona State’s School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. He attained the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, granted a Chapter Distinguished Service Key for service to the Arizona State Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, and was granted membership to both Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Alpha Sigma, the History and Political Science honor societies. Academic research interests include environmental justice, environmental/energy policy and governmental relations. Personal interests include the arts, politics and community service. Alex has attended Boy Scouts, Sea Base in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. Upon graduation he plans to move to Oregon and participate in the AmeriCorps program, followed by law school.

 
Austin Ogden - London & Paris student

Austin Ogden, from Queen Creek, Ariz., is studying for a bachelor’s in Sustainability along with a minor in Urban Planning. In his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports, swimming, hiking and cooking. After he graduates, he plans to work with local cities to help them make their communities more environmentally sustainable, along with making future city plans in a sustainable manner.

 
Celeste Reyes - London & Paris

Celeste Reyes, from Monrovia, Calif., is currently a second year undergraduate Art History student pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree. Reyes has served as a founding member and secretary of the Undergraduate Art History Association at ASU and is also a member of M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudantil Chicanx de Aztlán). She is interested in researching issues of identity, human condition, sustainability and methods of communication concerning sustainability to broader audiences. In her free time she enjoys visiting art galleries, sketching, dancing and traveling. Reyes has previously traveled to Mexico and upon graduation aspires to find a career in Los Angeles where she hopes to embody sustainability as a museum professional.

 
Teresa Valdez - London & Paris student

Teresa Valdez, from Phoenix, Ariz., is a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in business with a concentration in sustainability and a certificate in sustainable energy. Teresa is also a New American Scholar and has previously interned for Argonne National Labs as part of the Clean Cities Program. During her free time, Teresa enjoys hiking and swimming. Teresa is interested in alternative sustainable energy and finding ways to be more energy efficient. Teresa is also interested in institutional sustainability and corporate social responsibility. After graduation, Teresa plans on pursuing a career in corporate sustainability. Teresa will be traveling oversees for the first time this summer.

 

Sustainable Development across Morocco: National Polices to Local Solutions

 
Valeria Borough - Morocco student

Valeria Jones Borough, from Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Sustainability. She has been involved with community volunteer events and is highly interested in corporate social responsibility. Borough is an employee with Kohls Department Store and with Kohls Associates in Action, she recruited and led teams in numerous service events. With Arizona Youth Museum, she led kids through activities. With Casa Brasil, she helped plan and serve at fundraising banquets. With Association of International Ministries, she distributed food in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico. She enjoys cycling, hiking, climbing and dancing. She has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Her goal is to master the application of sustainability into the field of business. She hopes to develop clean water and community development in her home village in Pilar, Rio de Janeiro.

 
Aric Burks - Morocco student

Aric Burks, from Phoenix, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability in the SustainableEnergy, Materials and Technology track. Burks is a part of INROADS and the Greenlight Solutions Organization on campus and is currently conducting research regarding the Tiger Mountain Foundation. During his free time Burks likes to listen to music, play sports, exercise and spend time with family. He is interested in sustainable water systems across diverse nations, corporate sustainable policy and sustainable energy/power systems. He has studied abroad in Mexico and Ecuador, and has also traveled to Ireland. Upon graduation he hopes to pursue a career in sustainable practices amongst both for pro t and non-pro t businesses in the United States and abroad, as well as developing new sustainable technologies, strategies and initiatives.

 
Neng Iong Chan - Morocco student

Neng Iong Chan is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental Life Sciences program in the School of Life Sciences. He was born in China and raised in Macau. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Taiwan. He has been a Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) travel grant and research grant reviewer, and also served on the GPSA International Graduate Student Panel and School of Life Sciences International Student Panel. He is one of three student representatives in the Phosphorus (P) Sustainability Research Coordination Network. He has received the Macau Government Ph.D. Award, the Young Scientist Award from the Sustainable Phosphorus Summit, a School of Life Sciences travel grant, and a GPSA travel grant. His research tests different types of recycle-P fertilizers, such as from manure and algae, and applies them to transgenic P-use efficient crops. He wants to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the United Nations to help developed and developing countries properly manage and trade their P-related products in order to create a world that is more P sustainable.

 
Nathaniel Cleveland - Morocco student

Nathaniel Leigh Cleveland, from Sioux City, Iowa, is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability. Nathaniel is a veteran paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne and currently serves in the Arizona National Guard. He is a member of Delta Alpha Upsilon Fraternity. Nathaniel is interested in sustainable energy, water, and agriculture. He is researching sustainable energy, materials and technology. Nathaniel has traveled to Oman, Guatemala, Caribbean, Egypt, Mexico, Haiti and elsewhere. While in Guatemala he helped build houses in the mountains near Rabinal with Habitat for Humanity. Nathaniel went to Haiti with the 82nd Airborne on a UN mission to help stabilize the country after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He is learning Spanish and Arabic as second languages. Nathaniel desires to set up an international network to promote and enact a heightened sustainable existence through focusing on energy and water use.

 
Alyssa Kiefer - Morocco student

Alyssa Kiefer is a first year graduate student pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions. Kiefer is pursuing a career in corporate sustainability, with particular interests in commercial recycling, energy efficiency and employee wellness. She is a member of the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the ASU Zero Waste club, and the Sustainability and Happiness Research lab led by Scott Cloutier. Her favorite extracurricular activities are trail running, mountain biking, hiking, playing soccer, snowboarding and traveling. She has had the opportunity to visit Mexico, Belize and Thailand in the past. In Thailand she completed a study on Buddhism’s influence on Thai culture. In Morocco, she plans to study sustainable tourism and how it influences the region’s rich history and culture.

 
Evvan Morton - Morocco student

Evvan Morton, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a second year graduate student pursing a Ph.D. in sustainable engineering. Morton serves as the Secretary of the Black Graduate Student Association, a volunteer for the Graduate and Professional Student Association, and a Shades Multicultural Mentor. She is also a National Science Foundation IGERT-SUN Fellow and a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society. Her research interests include understanding the differences between urban and rural climate change and creating roadmaps for developing countries to transition to renewable energy technologies for reducing climate change impacts and increasing sustainable development. Morton enjoys swing dancing, traveling, camping, hiking, and making waffles. She has previously travelled to various countries including Ethiopia, Belize, and the Netherlands. Upon graduation, Morton hopes to work abroad with the U.S. Agency for International Development or a nonprofit organization based in a developing country to help decision makers achieve their sustainable energy goals.

 
Snigdha Nautiyal - Morocco student

Snigdha Nautiyal is a first year graduate student from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability at ASU’s School of Sustainability. She is a teaching assistant in Justice, Equity and Sustainability. Her research interests include climate change, adaptation and the role of non-profits, human behavior and communication, justice and equality, and happiness and well-being associated with sustainability. She enjoys blogging, reading, music, art and sketching. She has previously travelled extensively in India. After the completion of her master’s degree, Nautiyal plans to continue research in sustainability as a Ph.D. student.

 
Albert Romero - Morocco student

Albert Romero is a senior at Arizona State University from Mesa, Ariz. His major is in global studies, as well as a minor in Arabic studies. His previous awards include the Provost Scholarship. He chose a major in global studies because his academic, as well as personal interests concern human rights issues and conflict within the Muslim/ Arab world. His focus on this region is a result of his personal interests in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. Aside from his upcoming trip to Morocco, his international travels include many trips to Mexico. Although, he is not a sustainability major, his future plans in sustainability are aimed towards addressing sustainable development goals within the context of human rights issues.

 
Jaishri Srinivasan - Morocco student

Jaishri Srinivasan is from Bangalore, India and is a second year Ph.D. student at the School of Sustainability. She is currently pursuing research in water issues, specifically river management and how resilience and sustainability can be applied in their governance. She has been previously involved in research on energy access for sustainable rural development in Asian countries and is interested in looking at contextual factors of success in implementing energy solutions in Morocco. In her free time, she enjoys reading for leisure, swimming and learning languages. Upon graduation she hopes to work in the nexus of water and energy research for sustainable development.

 
Cheri Varnadoe - Morocco student

Cheri Varnadoe is from Raleigh, N.C. and lives in Arequipa, Peru where she manages the DreamBuilder social impact program for women entrepreneurs as a Thunderbird for Good Fellow. She will be headed back to North Carolina when her fellowship ends in March 2016. She is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Global Technology and Development. Cheri had worked in higher education marketing and global corporate relations for nine years before moving to Peru two years ago. She advocates for the rights of women and vulnerable populations in her Thunderbird role and as a longtime volunteer with the anti-domestic violence movement. Cheri loves to sing, dance, read, boat, travel and act in TV commercials, corporate videos and lm. She has traveled in Europe, India, South America, Central America and Mexico. After graduation Cheri would like to continue working in development to address global inequality and gender issues, hopefully with another exciting international assignment.

 
Heather White - Morocco student

Heather White, from Flagstaff, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in the Society and Sustainability track. She also has a Certificate in Classics (Ancient Greek), and a Minor in Music Performance (Bassoon). The running joke is that she will be well-rounded when she graduates. Her academic interests include human rights, sustainable policy and development, food security, and community outreach, among others. During her free time, Heather enjoys hiking, backpacking and singing with her on-campus A Cappella group, the ASU TEMPEtations. Heather has previously traveled to Canada and Mexico. After she graduates, she hopes to return to her hometown to get involved with the sustainability department of the local government, while researching sustainable solutions for issues in the surrounding Colorado Plateau area.

 

Risk and Resiliency in Earthquake affected Urban and Rural Nepal

 
Tara Hansen - Nepal student

Tara Hansen, originally from Delafield, Wis., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the Sustainable Energy, Materials and Technology track. Hansen is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management in the business school. She wants to integrate her two majors to help in the corporate setting. In her free time Tara enjoys traveling, exploring the great outdoors, reading a good book, watching movies and cooking or baking new recipes. Hansen had the great privilege in high school to travel to Spain, Italy and Costa Rica with her Spanish program. She has also traveled to different parts of Europe such as London, Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris. Upon graduation Hansen hopes to work in a business that deals with either retail or the food industry so that she can help them implement sustainability practices into their supply chain.

 
Bayly Holl - Nepal student

Bayly Holl, from Lakeside, Ariz., is a sophomore pursuing a double major in construction management and sustainability. Bayly is a New American University Scholar and is a White Mountain Apache Tribe College Scholarship Scholar. She is also a part of CSSI, USGBC, and a farmers market ambassador. Bayly enjoys being outdoors as much as possible and loves to make people happy. She plans on involving new concepts to combine sustainability into the built environment.

 
Rachel Hudgens - Nepal student

Rachel Hudgens, from Joliet, Ill., is a second year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s in Sustainability with an emphasis in Policy and Governance in Sustainable Systems with an Economics minor. Hudgens is interested in public policy, public health and equity. Hudgens is a Well Devil Ambassador through ASU Wellness, an Honors Society for Sustainability member, a part of the Academy for Sustainability, a mentor for the Sustainabilibuddies program and very active in intramurals. She is the recipient of the Sustainability Champions Scholarship. She enjoys playing golf and softball. For the past four summers she has been volunteering as a golf coach through The First Tee of Joliet. She appreciates the outdoors and loves spreading the joys of recreational activity. In the past Hudgens has traveled to South Africa, Lesotho, Canada and Jamaica. In the future she hopes to work for a city and design programs that create healthier living conditions within communities.

 
Danielle Jordan - Nepal student

Danielle Jordan is a sophomore in the School of Sustainability and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability with a track in policy and governance and Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning. She is originally from Mesa, Ariz., and is involved in multiple SOS organizations. Aside from being an Ambassador for the School of Sustain- ability, she is also a part of the SOS Academy, Honor Society for Sustainability and Sustainabilibuddies. She has previously received the Provost Merit Scholarship, the Homa and Irene Woods Foundation Scholarship and the School of Sustainability Champions Scholarship. After graduation Daielle plans to work with a nonprofit organization focusing on creating livable and sustainable communities.

 
Anna Kristjansen - Nepal student

Anna Kristjansen

Anna Kristjansen, from Somerville, N.J., is currently a sophomore in the School of Sustainability. She is more than excited to begin pursuing a track in international development so that she can take her studies to a global level. Unfortunately, she does not quite know what she wants to do in the future besides travel the world however she is taking every opportunity that this school has to offer in order to discover what she wants to do. During her free time she enjoys hiking and pretty much anything and everything outdoors. This is one of the reasons why she is so unbelievably excited to go to Nepal. She has traveled a fair amount with her family but now she wants to take on new and exciting traveling adventures with her friends. After graduation she hopes to be able to explore the world educating as many people as she can about this new and exciting world of sustainability.

 
Madeline Mahnick - Nepal student

Madeline (Maddie) Mahnick is from Rochester Hills, Mich. She is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability in the international development track. She is also working toward a concurrent degree in global health. Maddie is an ambassador for the School of Sustainability, a member of the Honors Society for Sustainability, and vice president for a green growth club, Haiti’s Kitchen. She is the recipient of the Provost Award and is a New American University Scholar. Maddie is interested in sustainable agriculture and water systems in third world countries as she has previously traveled to Haiti. After graduation she hopes to continue her travel in third world countries advocating for sustainable development.

 
Phillip Moore - Nepal student

Phillip Moore is a senior double majoring in Sustainability and in Earth and Environmental Studies, with a certificate in Food Systems Sustainability. He grew up in Hudson, Ohio and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan. Outside his academic studies he has many interests like art, music and photography. He is a part of a proud family of six Eagle Scouts and has always had a passion for the outdoors. He has only been out of the country twice and both times were to Mexico. After he graduates his goal is to build a career in international development, more specifically agricultural systems. He wants to work with farmers in developing countries to nd ways to improve their current agricultural systems without compromising traditions and cultural elements.

 
Paige Price - Nepal student

Paige Price is originally from Prescott, Ariz. She is currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science, a Bachelor of Art in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with focus on Sustainability, a minor in Religious Studies and a certificate in Religion and Conflict. Price is a member of the Dean’s List in addition to being involved with many on campus organizations, some of which include SPARKS, VegAware, and Photo club. After graduation she hopes to work with advancing sustainable livelihoods and education for low income individuals. She currently is participating in an internship focusing on such matters.

 
Brynn Szukala - Nepal student

Brynn Marie Szukala, from Phoenix, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Szukala is a Study Abroad Ambassador and is in the ASU Outdoors Club, ASU Roller Derby, Girl Scouts of the USA and ASU Habitat for Humanity. She achieved the Girl Scouts’ Silver and Bronze Award and the Dean’s List at ASU in 2013 and 2014. Szukala is interested in the socio-environmental interactions between humans and the earth. She is particularly interested in anthropology and the process of evolution of humanity in relation to our environment. She has already conducted research on corporate sustainability, food systems and wild- life conservation. Szukala enjoys horseback riding, art, crafts, gardening, boxing, animal welfare and much more. She previously traveled to the United Kingdom and spent 7 months living in Ireland where she traveled to Poland, Scotland, Greece, France, Italy and Spain. Szukala plans to pursue a graduate degree in sustainability and eventually work for a nonprofit organization. She hopes to get involved in corporate sustainability initiatives and revolutionizing the social aspects of today that are impeding sustainability solutions.

 
Ryan Taylor - Nepal student

Ryan Taylor is a freshman from Albuquerque, N.M., pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, in the Economics of Sustainability track. Taylor serves as Assistant Financial Director in the Barrett Sustainability Club and participates in Sun Devils Are Better Together, an interfaith student organization. He attends Barrett, the Honors College on a National Merit Scholarship. He is interested in researching the causal relationships between values and sustainable development. Other interests include studying Chinese language, playing French horn, hiking, skiing, and writing. Taylor has previously visited Europe, Costa Rica and Mexico. He hopes to nd a career as a sustainability educator.

 
Lindsay Zapata - Nepal student

Lindsay Zapata, originally from Los Angeles, Calif., is a sophomore studying Nonprofit Leadership and Management through ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. She is a recipient of the New American University scholarship, the Rita M. Hylle New American University Scholarship, and has remained on the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters. Currently a training manager at ASU Foundation’s Of ce of Annual Giving, Lindsay works hard in advancing toward ASU’s philanthropic goals. Lindsay is an avid volunteer and has completed internships with dedicated community organizations such as Roosevelt Row CDC and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In her spare time she loves volunteering and learning how nonprofit organizations strategize and fulfill their long-term and sustainable goals. With other passions such as being outdoors, live music, and anthropology, Lindsay hopes to incorporate her interests in her future career as a nonprofit professional. After graduation, Lindsay hopes to one day start her own nonprofit organization and make a sustainable impact on communities in need.

 

Sustainability Challenges of the Wildlife Economy in South Africa

 
Randi Bromm - South Africa student

Born and raised in Arizona, Randi Bromm hails from the small town of Wickenburg. A current senior pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology and Ecology, Bromm is a member of the Central AZ Chapter Society for Conservation Biology and works as an Instructional Assistant for the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. She achieved the Dean’s list in both the Fall and Spring semesters of the 2014-2015 school year. Bromm’s academic focus lies heavily in forestry and wildlife science, with a particular interest in creative ecological urban planning and landscaping. In her free time she enjoys gardening, meditating, hiking and trips to the Northern deciduous communities such as Flagstaff and the neighboring communities. This journey through South Africa will be her first departure from the comfort of her home country and she is facing this opportunity with both eagerness and open arms. Bromm is determined to achieve her goals working towards finding mutual and practical ways for the human environment and the natural environment to cohabitate, and invoking social change to correct the assumption that these two environments are separate from one another.

 
Danielle Chipman - South Africa student

Danielle Chipman, from Fair Oaks, Calif., is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Sustainability. She works as a graduate research assistant at the Decision Center for a Desert City and has served as a graduate representative for the School of Sustainability. Her research interests include: environmental attitudes and behaviors, communication about the environment, sustainable resource use and decision-making and environ- mental policy. During her undergraduate studies in international relations, Chipman lived and studied abroad in Ecuador and Guatemala. She has also previously traveled to Mexico, France and England. In the future, she hopes to work for an international environmental conservation nonprofit or a university. During her free time, Chipman enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, playing guitar and science fiction.

 
Jessie Davidson - South Africa student

Jessie Davidson, originally from Sebastopol, Calif., is a sustainability major working on two minors in Geological Sciences and Parks and Protected Area Management. She will be going into her junior year at ASU this upcoming semester. She is the social chair for the ultimate Frisbee team at ASU and is also a member of the outdoor club. She has been out of the country one other time when she went to Nicaragua for four weeks in high school. While there she learned about their culture by experiencing it first hand and also volunteered with a local school. In the future she would love to work with or for national parks to make tourism here or abroad more sustainable for the parks and the areas surrounding them.

 
Derek Duran - South Africa student

Derek Duran, from Gilbert, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability with a concentration in Ecosystems Sustainability. He is also pursuing minors in Political Science and Public Policy and Public Service. Duran is very interested in leadership and getting involved with the sustainability community. He is currently in his second term as the School of Sustainability’s Senator where he represents the school in ASU’s Undergraduate Student Government. He is also the president of the School of Sustainability President’s Council, the Treasurer of the Honor Society for Sustainability, the co-founder of Sustainabilibuddies (mentoring program), as well as the Student Programming Coordinator for the SOS Residential Community. Duran has made the Dean’s List for ve semesters and won the sustainability Student of the Year Award for the 2014-2015 academic year. Derek plans on continuing his sustainability education by pursuing a master’s degree following his undergraduate degree and potentially a Ph.D. with an interest in research involving policy and systems thinking.

 
Emily Joiner - South Africa student

Emily Joiner is a sophomore from Scottsdale, Ariz. She is a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability student with a concentration in the Economics of Sustainability and has just started with a minor in Statistics. She is a member of both the Honors Society for Sustainability and the School of Sustainability Academy. Additionally, she is a research assistant for a bioeconomics modeling project. She has been on the Dean’s list the past three semesters and is a New American University Scholar. She is interested in complex adaptive systems and environmental economics. She is excited to explore more research opportunities in these fields as she enters her junior year. Outside of academics, she is a cellist enthralled with the conceptual possibilities of the avant-garde. She plans to continue her sustainability education by pursuing a master’s degree, with the eventual goal of doing her research and work in an academic setting. This trip will be her first time studying abroad.

 
Reid Mertens - South Africa student

Reid Mertens is a junior studying business marketing with a minor in sustainability and a certificate in international business. When he is not working on his schoolwork, Reid can be found participating in a number of campus-based activities, including membership in multiple clubs, volunteering for Arizona State University’s days of service, and serving his fraternity as the Vice President of Member Development. Reid was named ASU’s Emerging Leader of the Year for 2014 and has been recognized with the McKee scholarship award as a Man of Courage by the Delta Sigma Phi national fraternity. Reid would like to enter the non-profit sector after graduation and help communities around the world deal with pressing matters involving environment, human rights and animal welfare issues. He is an avid outdoorsman and has traveled the world seeking adventure.

 
Soumya Parthasarathy - South Africa student

Soumya Parthasarathy

Soumya Parthasarathy, from Gilbert, Ariz., is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions. Parthasarathy is a member of Zero Waste Club and has volunteered for Local First Arizona for managing waste and spreading zero waste messaging within the university campus. Her interests include effective management of resources and assessing the life cycle of products. Parthasarathy enjoys yoga, dance, hiking and learning new things. She is originally from India and has traveled to New Zealand, Fiji, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Upon graduation she plans to work with corporations on managing resources and assessing environmental burdens.

 
Katie Peige - South Africa student

Katie Peige, originally from Baltimore, Md., is currently finishing up her last year as a graduate student pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions. At the same time, Peige also serves as the education and community outreach coordinator for Decision Center for a Desert City at Arizona State University. Peige’s research interests include climate risk, water sustainability and global population. Peige has studied abroad three times in the past: the first was a year abroad in high school as an exchange student in Switzerland, the second as a Russian language student in St. Petersburg, and the third time as a ThinkSwiss research scholar where she conducted research on international climate change policy at the University of Zurich. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue to integrate sustainability into education, policy or business.

 
Erin Rugland - South Africa student

Erin Rugland, from Chandler, Ariz., is a sophomore pursuing dual Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and Public Policy with a concentration in Sustainability. Rugland is the student assistant for the Sustainable Cities Network and is the Co-Facilitator for the ASU Womyn’s Coalition. She is also involved in Greenlight Solutions and the Honors Society for Sustainability. Her research interests include policy and governance, resiliency, solar and energy efficiency, water rights and distribution and disaster preparedness. Upon graduation from ASU, Rugland plans to pursue her Juris Doctor and practice environmental law and policy for an environmental advocacy group. In her free time, Rugland enjoys taking part in social justice activism, practicing yoga and playing videogames.

 
James Sponsler - South Africa student

James Sponsler, from Tempe, Ariz., is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Logistics with a Minor in Sustainability. Sponsler is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, W.P. Carey Leaders Academy, Golden Key Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the ASU Supply Chain Management Association and the Institute for Supply Management. He is recipient of the Arizona High Regents Honor Scholarship. Sponsler is interested in sustainable solutions in supply chain management situations, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, as well as sustainable technologies. Sponsler enjoys photography, travel, hiking and visiting museums. He has previously traveled abroad to Canada, Mexico, England and France. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a Master of Sustainable Solutions at ASU and then start a career bringing sustainable solutions to supply chain problems for companies in many industries worldwide.

 
Leigh-Ann Tower - South Africa student

Leigh-Ann Tower grew up in Paso Robles, Calif. and moved to Arizona in August of 2015 in order to attend Arizona State University’s master’s program in the School of Sustainability. She is currently finishing up her first year and already has a position at The Center for Biodiversity Outcomes as an assistant, as well as becoming a teaching assistant for Dr. Arianne Cease with a Wrigley Fellowship. Leigh-Ann is interested in the role of conservation technologies in policy and management. She is currently pursuing this focus in her master’s paper regarding anti-poaching drone programs in South Africa. She is also interested in evaluating the efficacy of wildlife trafficking policies and conservation awareness campaigns. Tower has traveled through Europe sightseeing in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. She plans upon graduation to work as a consultant for non-profit organizations who not only have a standing within a park, reserve or sanctuary, but have clear public education commitments. She also aspires to write in a fashion that captures an array of audience’s attention to create awareness and encourage action.

 

Building Community Resilience Through Sustainability Planning in the United Kingdom and Denmark

 
Annika Andersen - UK & Denmark student

Annika Andersen, from Tempe, Ariz., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in the Policy and Governance track of Sustainability. Andersen is an honors student in Barrett, the Honors College; she is a member of the Honors Society for Sustainability; and she is an executive board member of the sustainability mentor group, Sustainabilibuddies. She is a New American University Scholar and recipient of its Provost Award, as well as a recipient of the Tempe Diablo Scholarship. Andersen is interested in sustainable food systems, waste management, water policy, and sustainable policymaking at the municipal and community level. When free, she enjoys watching television and movies, hiking, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles. She has previously travelled to Mexico and Macedonia. After graduation, Andersen hopes to spend time volunteering for Americorps, and ultimately, she wants to implement sustainable solutions in policy while working for a city or state government.

 
Amy Bergley - UK & Denmark student

Amy Bergley is originally from Pullman, Wash., and is a first year graduate student pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions. Bergley is currently a member of the Zero Waste Club. She is a recipient of the Washington State University President’s Award and the University of Arizona Award for Excellence. Bergley’s research interests include cultural impacts on sustainability, sustainable food systems and waste management. In her free time she enjoys hiking, baking and spending time with her cat and dog. Bergley has previously traveled to Canada and the United Kingdom. Upon graduation she hopes to be a consultant who specializes in implementing new sustainable technologies and practices into Western culture.

 
Julia Colbert - UK & Denmark student

Julia Colbert, from Raleigh, N.C., is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in the Policy and Governance in Sustainable Systems track. Colbert is currently the president of both the School of Sustainability College Council and Sustainabilibuddies Mentoring Program, a School of Sustainability Student Ambassador, a member of the Honor Society for Sustainability and a Barrett Mentoring Program Mentor. She is the recipient of the President’s Award, a New American University Scholar, and has achieved the Dean’s List the past three semesters. Colbert has designed and proposed a Community Farmers Market to the City of Avondale Energy and Environmental Natural Resource Commission to mitigate the negative health externalities of living in a food desert. She was an intern for the Shelton Leadership Center last summer where she focused on youth empowerment and values-based leadership skills as tools to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future. In her free time she enjoys dance, travel and photography. Colbert has previously traveled to Mexico and the Caribbean. Upon graduation, Colbert plans to pursue a graduate degree in either sustainability or geography with a focus in sustainability education and sustainable community development.

 
Haley Daily - UK & Denmark student

Haley Daily, from Scottsdale, Ariz., is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability. She has been on the Dean’s list the last three semesters. She hopes to work with local governments to improve the quality of life of all citizens by implementing new urban agriculture. Haley loves being outside and hopes to bring more agriculture into cities. She is interested in the idea of living buildings and how to organize cities in sustainable ways. Her hope is to improve the quality of life of people who live in impoverished neighborhoods with the introduction of urban agriculture. Haley has traveled to Italy, Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica. In the future she hopes to be able to take city designs abroad and implement them in the United States to create more sustainable cities and buildings.

 
Alexander Davis - UK & Denmark student

Alex Davis, born and raised in Chandler, Ariz., is a graduating senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management at W.P. Carey, with a minor in Sustainability and a certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics. His first years of college were spent at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where he received an associate’s degree in business and a certificate of Sustainability and Ecological Literacy. He currently works in ASU’s Of ce of University Initiatives as a Strategic Research Analyst, and recently joined Changemaker Central’s Marketing Committee as a PR and Marketing Intern. While he enjoys implementing the critical thinking, analytic and teamwork skills that come along with his work and schoolwork, Alex spends his free time creating digital art, laser-cutting or woodworking at TechShop Chandler, reading, Disc golfing and taking day trips to Sedona and Flagstaff with friends. After a two week trip to several major European cities with his Humanities class in high school, Alex has been eager to return. He looks forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained in his studies abroad to either a Master of Sustainable Solutions degree at ASU or whichever career path he chooses to pursue.

 
Joel Guy - UK & Denmark student

Joel Guy was born in Indianapolis, Ind., but has lived in Arizona for almost 20 years. He is a junior at Arizona State University working toward a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, an entrepreneurship certificate and a writing certificate. He is a former member of the sexual education group Devils in the Bedroom, and is a current member of Greenlight Solutions, a campus-based student run sustainability consultation group. He also serves as the Event Planning Officer for the Honor Society for Sustainability, the first national honors society dedicated to developing sustainability scholars that can disseminate green principles into the professional world. Besides entrepreneurship, he is very interested in futurology, ecosystems study and urban planning.

 
Miranda Kincade - UK & Denmark student

Miranda Kincade, from LaSalle, Ill., is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability. Kincade is the president of Zero Waste Partners. She has an Associates of Science degree and is pursuing research into sustainable building and social justice. She is interested in zero waste, hiking, biking and exploring new places. Kincade has never traveled outside of the United States. She hopes to use her knowledge of sustainability to volunteer with the Peace Corps and work with local governments and NGOs.

 
Dania LaScola - UK & Denmark student

Dania LaScola, originally from Phoenix, Ariz., is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability at ASU, as well as an urban planning minor and a German language and composition minor. In addition to being a recipient of the Provost award and being on the Dean’s list every semester, LaScola is an intern with the Desert Botanical Garden and a member of the Honors Society for Sustainability. She is interested in the intersection of sustainability, urban planning and food systems and is currently a research aide studying the effects of urban agriculture on individual well-being and community resilience. In her free time, she loves adventuring and day trips with friends, cats, being artistic and traveling. She has previously been to Europe and South America. In the future, she hopes to continue to learn from experiences abroad and nd a career in the disciplines she is interested in.

 
Paulina Murga - UK & Denmark student

Paulina Murga from Mesa, Ariz., is a senior pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in the Policy and Governance track in Sustainability, along with a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems. Paulina is Director of Engagement for Campus Student Sustainability Initiatives (CSSI) a student led club on campus and coordinates volunteer opportunities presented to the organization. Her passions include advocating for food justice and mindful eating as well as playing with her two pitbull dogs. Her visits outside the US include Mexico and she hopes to use her degree to improve her community’s relationship and accessibility to healthy food.

 
Jeremy Robertson - UK & Denmark student

Jeremy Robertson, from Scottsdale, Ariz., is a senior student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability with a Minor in Economics. Jeremy is an Alpha member of Delta Alpha Upsilon, Arizona State University’s official Sustainability fraternity. As an Alpha member, he helps lay the foundation for the fast-growing fraternity as it strives to become the first nationally recognized Sustainability fraternity in the country. Away from school, Jeremy helps create a more sustainable transportation future through his work at Tesla Motors. In his spare time he enjoys a wild variety of hobbies, from playing guitar to creating and playing custom tabletop games. He also enjoys hiking, watching movies and visiting with friends. This will be Jeremy’s first trip outside of the United States and he couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity. After graduation, Jeremy hopes to further his career with Tesla or pursue a career in the political field creating sustainable policies both at home and abroad.

 
Rabekha Siebert - UK & Denmark student

Rabekha Ann Siebert, from Austin, Texas, is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability with a focus on Energy, Materials and Technology. She is also pursuing a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems. Siebert currently works at ASU Lightworks and has previously worked with the Sierra Club as a coordinator for the Austin Beyond Coal Campaign. She is an urban agriculture researcher for the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and her previous research was at the University of Texas on biofuels in collaboration with the Department of Energy. Her interests are in sustainable reconstruction design, disaster relief and community gardening. Siebert has traveled to Haiti, post-earthquake devastation, and hopes to return to utilize her knowledge in renewable energies and sustainable food systems to revitalize communities.

 
Alexandra Slaymaker - UK & Denmark student

Alex Slaymaker, from Cleveland, Ohio, is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions. Slaymaker’s dedication to leaving Arizona State University a better place during her two year stay led her to become a graduate representative and co-founder of the Zero Waste Club, an organization dedicated to waste reduction and creating a more closed loop society. Also, Slaymaker helped design and lead two new courses taught at ASU. Due to Slaymaker’s passion for beautifully sustainable building design, she volunteers for the Living Building Challenge and is a LEED Green Associate. On her trip abroad, she plans to share urban agriculture best management practices in the UK and Denmark with sustainability practitioners in the American ‘Rust Belt’. After graduate school, Slaymaker plans to dedicate her career to work such as this because she believes cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh pose a great opportunity for sustainable urban reinvention and enhanced equity.

 
Grace Strasser - UK & Denmark student

Grace Bailey Strasser, from Prescott, Ariz., is a freshman at ASU studying Industrial Design. She is involved with IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America), is a member of the nonprofit organization started in Prescott called Children’s Peace Project, and is also a member of the Arizona Outdoors Club. Although she is very interested in design, additionally she is interested in making the world of design more sustainable. This study abroad trip will give her more insight on how to do this by looking at urban systems and how people’s happiness is affected by sustainability in certain areas such as agriculture. Gracie enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, and experiencing things with others that she would not normally do on her own. She enjoys reading, painting, going to museums, and being active and outdoors. Although Gracie has traveled many times to Mexico and once to Canada, the most memorable experience she has ever had abroad was when she traveled to Haiti with the nonprofit organization she worked with in high school, Children’s Peace Project. There she developed connections with school children and teachers, helping to strengthen the education system of a small school, La Pepeniere Emmanuel near Port-au-Prince. After ASU, Gracie would very much like to join the Peace Corps and use her education and concurrent degrees to directly give back. After this, she plans to go into the industrial design field and use her education in sustainability to create or redesign everyday products to be more environmentally friendly and to create less waste.

 
Jose Urteaga - UK & Denmark student

Jose Urteaga, born in California but bleeds Phoenix, Ariz., is a junior at W.P. Carey School of Business studying sustainability. He is the son of Mexican immigrants and plans to contribute his knowledge in business to promote a sustainable Arizona economy, specifically working with Spanish speaking entrepreneurs and giving back to his community while keeping true to his culture. He currently works with Local First Arizona and Fuerza Local and is actively dedicated to projects working for a number of initiatives such as sustainable food systems, Spanish speaking entrepreneurship and rural economic development. He enjoys playing and watching sports in his free time.

 
Martha Weber - UK & Denmark student

Martha Weber, from Lawrenceville, Ga., is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in the Sustainable International Development track and a minor in Engineering Management. Martha is a member of the Arizona State Model UN team and is a teaching assistant for Barrett, the Honor College’s “Human Event”. She is also a recipient of the National Merit Scholarship, the Girl Scout Silver Award, the Barrett Scholars Award and has been on the Dean’s List for the past three semesters. Martha has previously researched water filtration and distribution issues under Dr. Ganesh, and she is hoping to research sustainable urban agriculture initiatives and equitable eco-city design in the future. During her free time Martha enjoys dancing ballet, reading, going to museums, attending performing arts events and hiking. Previously Martha has travelled to the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic. In the future she aspires to work on sustainable urban development issues for an international nonprofit or NGO such as the Gates Foundation or the United Nations Development Programme.